Rated: G
Starring: the “meh” T.J. Miller, the “hand”some James Corden, the “hack” Anna Faris and the “smiling” Maya Rudolph
Plot: Gene (Miller) has one job to do and that is to be a “meh” emoji. The trouble is he happens to have a variety of emotions that he just can’t suppress. Rather than face certain destruction, he opts to leave Textopolis in search of someone that can reprogram him to be a normal “meh” emoji. He picks up a couple of friends along the way, and the movie follows the three of them as they all undertake the quest of a lifetime.
Tanya’s Verdict: Gene’s character says it all – this movie is “meh” – nothing more and nothing less. It sort of has an Inside Out and Wreck-It Ralph meets The Wizard of Oz sort of vibe. Yet all three of these movies are far superior to this mediocre and soon-to-be forgotten humdrum film. Despite having some good messages embedded within the storyline, one plot point moves into the next plot point with nothing really outstanding in between (although a couple of 80s songs during a Just Dance scene had me perked up momentarily). My seven-year-old son said he enjoyed the movie . . . but even he got restless about three quarters of the way through – and the movie is under 90 minutes! Take the kids to see it if you must – otherwise wait the few months till it’s out on cable.